I live in Southern California and we have myoporum trees (a.k.a. false
sandalwood) that are infested with thrips. The edges of all new leaf
growth are curled and bumpy. Has anyone in the group dealt with thrips in
myoporums trees? What insectides or other products should be used? These
little critters are doing some serious damage to our trees. Thank you.

On Sun, 4 Feb 2007 18:24:49 -0800, "So Cal" wrote:

I live in Southern California and we have myoporum trees (a.k.a. false
sandalwood) that are infested with thrips. The edges of all new leaf
growth are curled and bumpy. Has anyone in the group dealt with thrips in
myoporums trees? What insectides or other products should be used? These
little critters are doing some serious damage to our trees. Thank you.


I haven't dealt with the plant you mention, but thrips are difficult
to radicate. It is an indication the plant is unhealthy, so that's
the first thing to address. Clean away all debris under the plant and
replace it with fresh layer of mulch. Use ceda or eucalyptusr mulch
if possible.

Fertilize the plant with an organic fertilizer, never use the Miracle
Gro things, or their generics. There is absolutely NOTHING in that
fertilizer to nourish soil biota and that's what you want.

Beneficial nematodes are a bit expensive, but they work wonders.
Also, you can get on a spray program using Neem Oil, which is an
organic pesticide. The insect eats it and the chemical properties
makes the insect unable to continue to eat. You can also spray with
insecticidal soap, not a kitchen brand of soap or detergent, and if
you want to make your own you can use Dr. Bonner's Peppermint soap.
That is sold in any health food store.

There are a few, but really address the issue of the plants not being
healthy as they can be. I have major trouble with an antique rose and
a rosa rugosa. I give it one more season them they are out of here.
I'm not going to fuss if a plant is simply not doing well in the
landscape.